Macroeconomic Evaluation of Fiscal Policy in 2000 2002

In February 2000, the Austrian Federal Government set itself the target of achieving a balanced budget by 2002. A domestic stability pact was agreed that specified the budget performance to be achieved by the central, regional and local authorities. To this end, a comprehensive consolidation package was adopted that provided for savings in expenditures as well as additional revenues. On the expenditure side, measures envisaged cuts in terms of personnel and old-age pensions. The government aimed to prune 15,000 jobs by 2003, of which 4,000 were to be shed by divestments. This goal was more or less met. With regard to pensions, expenditure was reduced by more than € 800 million, which similarly reflected the targets of the government programme.